FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 20

I quickly had the food, did the final inspection and rushed back to the resort. I glanced at my watch, 5pm and 6pm is the engagement. I have to be at the venue by 5.45 at least.

I quickly freshened up, and dressed into a turquoise sweet-heart neck off-shoulder evening gown.

'Damn!' I struggled with the zip, it takes little longer. I combed my hair and tied in a braided side bun, leaving few random strands to fall over my forehead and sides of my face. I applied blood red glossy lip stick, dark kohl, wrist watch in one arm and a silver bracelet in the other. I wore a delicate necklace with a tiny pearl as the pendent. I applied generous amount of perfume. For a split second, I thought Riad will be there and I will have to look good. But then shake my head, pushing away this thought

Why I care he is there or not, and why am I bothered to look good for him? Strange.

The heels that I had been wearing in the morning has snapped so I slipped into a white thong slippers, I didn't think it will be wise to wear heels over sand. I had gone through enough running around in heels over sand.

I lifted my dress and hurried to Ruchi's hut, I glanced at my watch and find its 5.30 we have to reach before the guests.

'Ruchi' I called and knocked her door. She opens the door; I smack my forehead; she is still hasn't even started to dress up. She is wrapped up in a towel.

'Are you mad?' I say sounding aghast.

'Dude, I just can't wear anything. Riad will be there' she says and winks at me. I felt like murdering her. This deal is so important and she is doing time pass. I glared at her and pushed by her.

I rummaged through her wardrobe and threw an emerald green off shoulder evening gown at her.

I and Ruchi reached at the venue around 5.46, one minute late thanks to Ruchi. The guests will be arriving soon, around 6pm and the engagement will start by 6:15, sun sets around 6.30. I and Ruchi run around for last minute checking. Like always, everything is perfect.

I glance at my watch and ask Ruchi to stand by the gate, I will be at the stage. I stand on the stage and it seems so serene. The whole idea of having exotic wedding/engagement is so romantic. A non-romantic person like myself also finds this so fascinating.

I am guiding the light man, to move the light little to the left of the stage. I turn my head to my side and see Riad walking towards me.

He is looking so dashing dressed in a white Kurtha pajama and blue high collar waist coat. His hair neatly combed and gelled unlike before when his hair used to be over oiled and stuck to his scalp. The gentle breeze fanning few strands of hair that fell across his forehead. I freeze, my eyes stuck on him, my heart fluttering. What is happening to me? why am I feeling funny around him? I reminded myself that he is the nerdy champu I had known fifteen years ago.

'Madam, where should I move the light?' the light man asked me irritated. I looked up, he is standing on the last step of the ladder holding a heavy piece of lighting.

'Huh! Oh!' I say. Damn! Why am I getting distracted by him?

'All set?' Riad asks, hearing his strong deep baritone my heart skips a beat. Oh, God! what is happening?

I nod my head, he looks around. The decoration is simple, with white and blue being the theme. The stage has a blue velvet carpet and a huge banner amidst bright blue background

LIQA NAWAD ALI AND RIZWAN SHEIKH is written in Huge letters and glitters

It has white and blue ribbons around, the trees around the stage is also decorated with white and Blue long clothes and small balloons, some also have balloons (of same color coordination) stuck to them. I am really pleased with the work.

'These decorations could have been better' Riad says. I roll my eyes.

I opened my mouth to say something when I see a young boy running towards us. He seemed to be aged 7 years. He is dressed in light blue shervani, he has a broad smile on his face.

'Atif' Riad says happily, the boy opens his arms wide laughing, his gaze fixed Riad. I kept looking at them clueless.

'Mamu!' the boy says flinging his arms around Riad, who lifts him up in his arms. My mouth drops, is he? Is that kid, Urooj's?